What was the main reason of the countries to exploit the resources of its colonies - Social Science - Resources and Development

Question

What was the main reason of the countries to exploit the resources
of its colonies?

Sayanti Roy · Accepted Answer

Solution:
Missionaries believed this was their moral obligation to promote
Christianity, which is one of the reasons governments exploited
their colonies' riches For their efforts in rescuing the minds of
colonial citizens, they expected to be honoured by a higher
authority They also anticipated financial gain from the finding of
gold and other valuables hidden away in the colonies

What was the main reason of the countries to exploit the resources of its colonies?